Mangaluru: What was once the dream home of a poor family, built after years of hard work and loans, now stands on the verge of collapse following a major landslide at Anebali in Gurpur. The incident has left three families living in constant fear, with residents alleging that unscientific hill cutting by a private landowner and delayed action by local authorities contributed to the disaster.
The rear portion of a house belonging to Ajmal collapsed after continuous heavy rain triggered a landslide behind the property. The family has since shifted to a rented house with the support of a local donor, while the damaged structure remains at risk of complete collapse.
House damaged after hill gives way
Heavy rainfall over the past few days caused a large section of the hill behind Ajmal’s residence to collapse, damaging the rear portion of the house.
Fearing that the remaining structure could collapse at any time, the family vacated the house and moved to temporary accommodation.
Residents said the landslide has also destabilised the surrounding area, making it unsafe for neighbouring families.
Residents blame alleged unscientific hill cutting
The affected residents alleged that a nearby landowner, identified as Avvad, had excavated and cut a hill on his property using heavy machinery without adopting adequate safety measures.
According to them, the excavation weakened the slope, which eventually gave way during the heavy rain.
They claimed that the landslide was not solely the result of natural causes but was aggravated by the alleged irresponsible alteration of the hill terrain.
Three families living under constant threat
Apart from Ajmal’s residence, the houses of Ibrahim and Usman have also become vulnerable due to the unstable soil.
The families said they are living in fear as further erosion could trigger another landslide and damage their homes.
They added that every spell of heavy rain increases the risk of additional portions of the hill collapsing.
Complaints allegedly ignored
The affected families said they had informed the local gram panchayat about the danger nearly three weeks before the landslide.
According to the residents, despite repeated complaints, no effective preventive measures were taken to stabilise the hill or protect the houses.
They alleged that the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), who visited the site, had assured them that tarpaulin sheets would be provided as a temporary measure.
However, they claimed no further assistance was extended, and officials later cited a lack of funds and the absence of provisions to provide such support.
Families seek immediate government intervention
The residents expressed disappointment that no senior government official had visited the site to assess the damage despite the seriousness of the situation.
They said they were advised to move to a relief centre instead of receiving immediate assistance to safeguard their homes from further damage.
Ajmal said the house was constructed only four years ago after taking a loan of nearly ₹12 lakh.
He said the family’s dream home has now become unsafe, leaving them under severe financial strain and emotional distress.
Concerns over public infrastructure
Social activist Latheef Gurupura warned that the landslide could have wider implications beyond the affected households.
He pointed out that a major gram panchayat water tank supplying drinking water to nearly 500 households is located in the same vulnerable area.
He also cautioned that continued soil erosion could eventually threaten the nearby National Highway if immediate stabilisation measures are not undertaken.
Residents demand action
The affected families have urged the taluk and district administrations to conduct an immediate inspection of the site and initiate permanent safety measures.
They have also demanded action against the alleged unauthorised hill cutting, compensation for the damage suffered, and rehabilitation assistance for families whose homes have become unsafe.
Residents said timely intervention is essential to prevent another tragedy, particularly as heavy monsoon rains continue across the region.